DURING his playing career, Mel Gingell was something of a villain, and made numerous appearances before the county FA's discipline committee.

But on Friday the FA members who in the past often fined and banned him from playing rewarded him for his services to football in the county.

As a player Gingell made countless appearances before the Wiltshire FA disciplinary committee to answer to his on-the-field misdemeanours. But as manager of the county youth team, in its most successful season, the 58-year-old has turned this on its head.

On Friday Gingell was presented with a Wiltshire FA tie and engraved decanter in recognition of the way he has transformed the county under 18 side. Last month his team lifted the South West Counties Championship for the first time after a thrilling 4-3 win over Gloucestershire.

Gingell, who was also praised for his work as manager of the county's senior side, said: "I didn't have any idea about this, I was flabbergasted really. It was just out of the blue.

"I was really honoured because they don't give these things easily. Mike Benson (Wiltshire FA secretary) said I'd taken the team to a different dimension, which I liked."

Benson described Gingell as a villain who he had often tangled with in his days as a referee. Gingell, who played for Chippenham Town, Melksham and Bromham, had no argument with this description and was amused by the irony of his award.

He said: "I would have to say that I was one of the worst lads for bookings and sendings off. It was just the will to win that got me into a lot of trouble.

"I've been in front of their disciplinary committee a few times before so it was nice to get some praise this time."

Gingell was made manager of the youth side in 2001 and since then has worked tirelessly to find the best under 18 players around. In that time five of his players have gone on to sign semi-professional contracts, including Lee Davidson (Chippenham Town) and Ricky Hulbert (Bath City) from this year's team.

Gingell said: "I think that's brilliant and clubs around here are going to benefit as well."

"I also had James Constable in our team before he was well known. He was the best player on the park when we lost to Liverpool last season."

Gingell fought off more than 10 candidates to land the Wiltshire job three years ago and Benson believes his appointment has been a resounding success.

He added: "He has got great respect from the players, particularly the youngsters.

"I've always found him a bit of a local character and he's turned out to be quite a good friend of mine."

Gingell paid tribute to the work of Barry Stephens and Paul Fox, his predecessors as youth team manager, and his assistant Alistair Belcher. But in the dug out he is very much his own man.

He said: "I just do it my way and that's it.

"I've got a bad habit of winning things.

"I think Wiltshire football has never been so rosy for years."